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TRAILS
Endless miles of sugar-white sand remain the area’s number one
attraction; however, individuals searching for an activity off the beach
are sure to find numerous options with the following trails:
The
Alabama Coastal Birding Trail attracts avid bird
watchers and novices to its six loops that wind throughout Baldwin and
Mobile Counties. Highlighting a large diversity of ecosystems, each
trail loop could easily take a half day or more. Suggestions are given
for some of the birds that may be expected at each site. This coastal
area serves as a crucial layover point for migratory neotropical birds
in the spring and fall. For more information, visit
www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com.
The
Battle of Mobile Bay Civil War Trail is a 90-mile trail that features 18 sites throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties. Each stop on the trail utilizes interpretative signage to convey the stories of ship captains, fort commanders and common fighting men who played a role in this battle and the Overland Campaign. For more information, visit
www.battleofmobilebay.org.
The
Orange Beach Canoe Trail is a 10-stop trail that begins on the north side of Pleasure Island (near Wolf Bay) and travels east along the Intracoastal Waterway before passing around Bear Point. The trail then continues west through Bayou St. John and Terry Cove to reach the final stop in Cotton Bayou. Organized by the City of Orange Beach, this trail features designated signage at each stop. For more information, visit
www.obparksandrec.com.
The
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a nearly 11-mile-long trail that highlights diverse landscapes, such as pitcher plant bogs, ancient hardwood forests, pine savanna, swamps and scrub-covered dunes. The trails are Catman Trail (which runs to Orange Beach), an extension that runs alongside the Orange Beach Sportsplex, the Gulf Park Oak Ridge Trail (that runs to the back of the golf course) and the Rosemary Trail (which runs south of Middle Lake and Little Lake and comes out on the beach road).
Developed through a partnership between the Gulf State Park and the City of Orange Beach, construction on the Backcountry Trail began in 2003, and it was subsequently dedicated to Branyon, the longtime Gulf State Park superintendent who had worked in the State Parks Division for more than 50 years. This trail and the surrounding public land will remain free to anyone wishing to visit on their own time. Gulf State Park, through which parts of the guided tour travel, also has several other trails.
In June 2009, the Backcountry Trail was named a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of Interior and became only the third trail in the state to receive this prestigious honor. For more information, visit
www.obparksandrec.com or
www.alapark.com/GulfState.
Alabama's Coastal Connection is
an approximately 130-mile scenic byway highlighting the authentic
resources and attractions of the southern tip of the state. Beginning at
the Grand Bay exit (exit #4) on Interstate 10, this scenic route
travels throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties and returns to the
Interstate at the Daphne exit (exit #35). Highlights along the journey
feature the area’s connection with the waters, ways and wildlife native
to this charming detour from normal Interstate travels. The byway was
honored with a state designation in 2004 and became a National Scenic
Byway in 2009. For more information and a downloadable map, visit
www.alabamascoastalconnection.com.
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